Las Vegas: SLS resort to open in fall 2014 in the former Sahara

When it opens in the fall of 2014, the SLS Las Vegas, shown in this artist's… (Sbe )

SLS Las Vegas, a trendy resort to be built on the grounds of the former Sahara, is scheduled to open in fall 2014 and promises to bring several Southern California clubs and restaurants to the Nevada desert.

The former Sahara has been surrounded by chain link fencing since owners Sbe, whose chairman and chief executive is Sam Nazarian, closed the historic hotel about two years ago.

The company is pumping $415 million into renovating the property, which has stood on the Strip since 1952. The Los Angeles-based developers plan to incorporate plenty of familiar, Southland chic into their latest project.

Among Sbe’s hotel holdings are the SLS Beverly Hills and The Redbury in L.A. The owners promise to bring the same style to their Las Vegas Boulevard resort. A Nevada outpost of the Sayers Club will be among four nightlife offerings. Santa Monica-based clothier Fred Segal will operate seven boutique shops at the hotel.

The SLS Las Vegas will have more than 1,600 rooms. The property, at Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue, is just over two miles from downtown’s Fremont Street Experience (to the north) and Bellagio (to the south).